HF

New amateur bands have been assigned in Bulgaria. In the future LZ hams will be able to use bands 472-479 kHz, 5250-5450 kHz, 70.0-70.5 MHz and in addition the 1.8 MHz band has been extended up to 2 MHz. All those bands have to be used on secondary basis.

Following an earlier test in 2011, for 2014 ten Czech amateurs received perimission to use 5 MHz. The authorized SSB and CW frequencies are 5288.5, 5330.5, 5366.5, 5371.5, 5398.5 and 5403.5 kHz, with a maximum power of 100 watts ERP.

The Spanish PTT has authorized the use of several frequencies in the 5 MHz (60 m) band from January 1st to June 30th, 2014. The authorized frequencies are 5268, 5295, 5313, 5382, 5430 and 5439 kHz, with a power of 100 W PEP.

A team of IARU officials attended the Working Party 5A, B and C meetings that took place in Geneva 20-30 May. IARU Region 1 was represented by Hans Blondeel Timmerman PB2T, while DARC was represented by Ulrich Mueller DK4VW and RSGB by Colin Thomas G3PSM. Working Group 5A-1 chaired by Dale Hughes, VK1DSH completed a report documenting characteristics of amateur stations at or near 5.3 MHz that will be considered by Study Group 5 at its next meeting in December.

The group worked on a Report analyzing compatibility of amateur operation at 5.3 MHz with existing in-band and adjacent band services, as required by Resolution 649. More work needs to be done at the November meeting.

A revision of the Amateur Handbook was carried out by a sub working group chaired by Colin Thomas, G3PSM.

Some work was done on the CPM text for WRC-15 Agenda Item 1.4 (to consider a possible new allocation to the amateur service on a secondary basis within the band 5 250 - 5 450 kHz).

IARU presented its position on WRC-15 Agenda Item 1.18 (to consider a primary allocation to the radiolocation service for automotive applications in the 77.5 - 78.0 GHz frequency band).

The national association of Icelandic Radio Amateurs, Í.R.A., is pleased to announce that as of January 16, 2013 Icelandic Radio Amateurs have been granted operating privileges on 472-479 kHz (630 meters). In addition, The Post and Telecom Administration in Iceland (PTA), recently extended temporary permits as of January 1, 2013 on the following bands: 160 meters (1850-1900 kHz), 60 meters (5.260-5.410 MHz) and on 4 meters (70.000-70.200 MHz).

A NEW 630 METER ALLOCATIONThis allocation is on 472-479 kHz. Access is granted on secondary basis. Maximum power is 5W EIRP and maximum bandwidth is 1 kHz. This new allocation is open to the “G” license class (higher). A previous temporary allocation on 493-510 kHz was closed on December 31, 2012.

160 METER ALLOCATION RENEWEDThe temporary allocation on 1850-1900 kHz has been renewed for the calendar year 2013. Access is granted on secondary basis. This allocation may only be used during the duration of 10 designated international amateur radio contests. Licensees need to apply to the PTA for a special permit, which is open to both license classes.

60 METER ALLOCATION RENEWEDThe temporary allocation on 5.260-5.410 MHz has been renewed for the calendar years 2013 and 2014. Access is granted on secondary basis. Permissible modes are USB, CW and PSK-31. Maximum bandwidth is 3 kHz. Power limit is 100W. Licensees need to apply to the PTA for a special permit, which is open to both license classes.

4 METER ALLOCATION RENEWEDThe temporary allocation on 70.000-70.200 MHz has been renewed for the calendar years 2013 and 2014. Access is granted on secondary basis. Maximum bandwidth is 16 kHz and power limit is 100W. Licensees need to apply to the PTA for a special permit, which is open to both license classes.

PTS has now started to issue permits for experimental transmitters in the 5MHz band. Presently the following frequencies apply: 5310-5313 kHz, 5320-5323, 5380-5383 kHz and 5390-5393 kHz. Bandwith is limited to 3 kHz independent of type of modulation.

Maximum output power is 100 watt pep. Mobile use is not permitted. Holders of call sign for amateur radio may use their amateur radio call sign. It is permitted to make contact with other permit holders. This operation must respect all other traffic in the band. It is very important not to disturb other traffic.

PTS requires a fee for the administration. The permits are limited in time to 6 months.

As of October 31, 2012, the Norwegian P & T Authority has made changes to the Norwegian amateur license regulations. The major changes are:

Permission has been given to use 472 - 479 kHz (max. 100 W transmitter power output; max. 1 W EIRP). Hence the former permission to use 493 - 510 kHz has been stopped.

Permission has been given to use 70.1875 - 70.2625 kHz, EXCEPT in the three Norwegian southwest counties of Hordaland, Rogaland and West-Agder, where there still is commercial traffic within this frequency segment. NRRL had argued that the bulk of Norwegian radio amateurs should not be barred from using the IARU Region 1 calling frequency on 70.200 MHz and vicinities, because of a few commercial stations in the southwest corner of the country. This reasoning has thus been accepted by the Norwegian P&T authority. Hence the permission on 4 m with max. 100 W transmitter power, and max. 16 kHz bandwidth, include the following frequency segments: